BRIDGEWATER — For an aspiring major-league pitcher, it’s a good idea to keep contact with former teammates. Ask the newest member of the Patriots, Andrew Dobies.

After the Red Sox traded Dobies, their third-round draft pick from 2004, to the White Sox this past April, the left-handed reliever was released after making just three appearances. That’s when an old friend from his Red Sox days, Patriots shortstop Iggy Suarez, reached out.

“He said I should come play here, and I talked to (Brett) Jodie (Patriots director of player personel) and we made it happen,” the newly acquired Dobies explained.

Relocating twice in such short notice really opened Dobies’ eyes.

“Up until this year, all I’ve known is playing in the Red Sox’s system,” he explained. “When I got traded to the White Sox, that’s when I knew this is definitely a different game now in terms of going year to year now. It took me a little bit of time to wrap my mind around it, but I’m getting better at it.”

“I think he’s doing a nice job getting acclimated,” said Patriots reliever Casey Cahill. “I think a lot of it is letting a new teammate feel comfortable enough to open up and be themselves. Some guys it takes 30 minutes, some guys it takes two weeks, but he’s done a nice job of opening up and being himself and trying to enjoy himself.”

Dobies, who was warming up in the bullpen during the bottom of the eighth inning of Friday’s game against the Bridgeport Bluefish, is happy to have an opportunity with the Patriots.

“Anytime you’re given an opportunity to pitch and further your career, you always have a chance to get higher up in the systems,” said Dobies. “I’m just fortunate for the opportunity and having a pretty good time so far.”

Game notes

Designated hitter Josh Pressely (illness) was a late scratch, and Elliot Ayala was inserted into the lineup. Relief pitcher Jerry Dunn (2-2, 4.32) was activated to take the roster spot of fellow reliever Ryan Houston (18 saves), who signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Thursday.

Wrapping up Thursday

Bill Pulsipher tossed six innings of one-run baseball while the Patriots pounded a season-high 18 hits in a 10-1 rout of the Long Island Ducks at Suffolk County Sports Park. The win wrapped a 4-4 road trip.